The exciting youngster impressed onlookers with his performances in the midfield, where he combined his grunt on the inside with class on the outside. Equally adept by hand or foot, Stocker is also a versatile prospect, given he hits the scoreboard when he goes forward.

It was the combination of his ball use and his burst of speed which convinced the Blues to call out Stocker’s name at the draft, despite missing the under-18 championships through injury.

A well-rounded, natural footballer, Stocker averaged over five clearances and four tackles to go with his 22 disposals in the TAC Cup. He earned a reputation as one of the draft crop’s premier ball-winners.